Seen@ Chicopee Moose Family Center Car Show

CHICOPEE -- The popular pastime of cruise nights brought hundreds of car enthusiasts to the Moose Family Center on Thursday night.

Rows and rows of gleaming vehicles filled the lot, as their owners chatted with visitors or proudly polished their rides. Vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles were featured, as were shiny-new sportscars and muscle cars.

A long-time participant of the show, Tony Damato, of Belchertown, brought his beautifully restored 1957 Chevrolet station wagon to the event. He said he has owned the car since 1963.

"I've had this car for over 50 years," Damato said. "My wife wanted me to sell it, but I'm glad I didn't."

"It rides very well," he added. "My kids all have new cars, but I'd rather have this one."

The car show, which raises money for charitable activities of the organization, is now in its 11th season.

There was hardly a vacant seat to be found in the center's pavillion, where car enthusiasts could enjoy burgers, hot dogs and beer. Entertainment in the form of oldies music was provided by DJ Gary Back in Time.